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In Stereo Where Available
Phoebe Kassner didn't set out to become a 29-year-old virgin, but she is, and, having just been dumped by her boyfriend, she doesn't see that situation changing anytime soon. Meanwhile, her twin sister Madison—aspiring actress, small-time model, and queen of the short attention span—has just been eliminated on the first round of Singing Sensation . Things aren't looking so great for either of them, but when Phoebe, victim of a fake phone number written on a cocktail napkin, receives a surprise voice mail from a guy named Jerry, she takes pity on him and calls, setting in motion a serendipitous love story neither of them saw coming. And suddenly Madison has a romance of her own, as one of 12 women competing for two men on a ruthless, over-the-top reality show. As Phoebe falls in love with the jilted high school English teacher who never intended to call her in the first place, Madison's falling in love, too, clawing and fighting her way through a tide of adorable blondes.
350 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2007
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58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 17, 2016
There is little character development and a lot of ridiculousness (and not in the adventurous & fun way) that make this story unlikable. At first, I liked Phoebe and Jerry and was rooting for them, but the more pathetic their situation got, the more I was turned off.
There was also a lot of unnecessary mentions of God. Religion had nothing to do with the plot and I felt that the author was trying to insinuate that church is part of "good" people's lives, or something.
Phoebe didn't seem to be making many good decisions and reminded me a lot of someone in high school who is still flailing about. She did not act like a mature adult woman and that was really disappointing.
There was also a lot of unnecessary mentions of God. Religion had nothing to do with the plot and I felt that the author was trying to insinuate that church is part of "good" people's lives, or something.
Phoebe didn't seem to be making many good decisions and reminded me a lot of someone in high school who is still flailing about. She did not act like a mature adult woman and that was really disappointing.
November 22, 2008
Since this is my own novel, I must refer you to Amazon, B&N, and Library Journal for reviews. It's like asking me if my daughter is beautiful-- why, of course she is!
February 5, 2008
When 29 year old Phoebe Kastner's cell phone rings, she lets the message unit pick up. It's a wrong number, some guy asking for someone named Karen. When the same thing happens again a few days later, she realizes the poor guy has been given a fake number. After agonizing over whether she should or not, she finally calls him - just to say who he's actually been calling. He has a nice voice - and is clearly so happy it's Karen calling back - Phoebe hasn't the heart to reveal the truth. He asks for her e-mail. E-mail would make telling him much easier. She gives him the address. A few seconds later, a short note arrives, attached to a sweet little poem. He's sensitive. Phoebe is impressed, and more than a little interested.
So begins the central plot of this honest and almost painfully realistic portrayal of a woman who's reached a turning point. Every effort Phoebe has made to build a lasting relationship has fallen short. She's almost ready to give up, can hardly bear another failure, but slowly, inch by inch, she tries again and the journey makes absorbing and heartrending reading.
After critiquing a few million words by some wonderful writers, I know the polished prose of a professional writer when I see it. This is the real stuff. Author Anderson is flawless in the mechanics and at her strongest in the characterizations she builds. The players on stage feel and act like real people.
I picked this one up because my daughter said it was great. Despite being male, over 65, and a writer of adventure novels, which means I'm not part of the normal audience this story will attract, I found myself rooting hard for Phoebe and Jerry to make it. So much so that I stayed up late last night to push on toward the denouement, which by the way, contained a charming little surprise.
Mark my words: Rebecca Anderson will be adored by many. Read this novel and you'll understand why.
So begins the central plot of this honest and almost painfully realistic portrayal of a woman who's reached a turning point. Every effort Phoebe has made to build a lasting relationship has fallen short. She's almost ready to give up, can hardly bear another failure, but slowly, inch by inch, she tries again and the journey makes absorbing and heartrending reading.
After critiquing a few million words by some wonderful writers, I know the polished prose of a professional writer when I see it. This is the real stuff. Author Anderson is flawless in the mechanics and at her strongest in the characterizations she builds. The players on stage feel and act like real people.
I picked this one up because my daughter said it was great. Despite being male, over 65, and a writer of adventure novels, which means I'm not part of the normal audience this story will attract, I found myself rooting hard for Phoebe and Jerry to make it. So much so that I stayed up late last night to push on toward the denouement, which by the way, contained a charming little surprise.
Mark my words: Rebecca Anderson will be adored by many. Read this novel and you'll understand why.
April 4, 2008
"I just want the same thing everyone else wants, you know?" she said.
I nodded. "I know."
"Why does it have to be so hard?"
"Maybe you should try looking for a guy who's not perfect."
She smiled wearily. "You think I should lower my standards?"
I thought about that for a moment. "No," I said. "Just add in another category. Keep looking for all the same things, plus something to forgive him for."
These moments along with the funny, intelligent joking around are why I give this more than my usual 3 stars for chick lit. These people were so real, the things they said so like people I know, I felt like I was really living Phoebe's life with her. I know a book is well written when I can read in first person things that I don't agree with or know about and still enjoy myself. If it's not well written it will seem all wrong, annoying, and somehow fake. In this book I haven't been in Phoebe's position ever, really, but felt it was all completely believable.
I nodded. "I know."
"Why does it have to be so hard?"
"Maybe you should try looking for a guy who's not perfect."
She smiled wearily. "You think I should lower my standards?"
I thought about that for a moment. "No," I said. "Just add in another category. Keep looking for all the same things, plus something to forgive him for."
These moments along with the funny, intelligent joking around are why I give this more than my usual 3 stars for chick lit. These people were so real, the things they said so like people I know, I felt like I was really living Phoebe's life with her. I know a book is well written when I can read in first person things that I don't agree with or know about and still enjoy myself. If it's not well written it will seem all wrong, annoying, and somehow fake. In this book I haven't been in Phoebe's position ever, really, but felt it was all completely believable.
September 17, 2013
It was ok. Not a favorite at all. I liked the characters but its was pg rated. Which is fine. I enjoy books like that too. But it kind of bounces around a tun. Kind of disappointed. It won't be a reread.
September 18, 2013
Is there some unwritten rule that romances have to start slow and be cloyingly patriotic?
Here's an idea. Start with a hook, not a mauled verbalisation of an anthem much of the western world outside America already finds annoying.
Here's an idea. Start with a hook, not a mauled verbalisation of an anthem much of the western world outside America already finds annoying.
November 24, 2013
Even though the description tells a little of Madison's story, I really didn't feel like she was really a part of the book at all. This was Phoebe's book, with Madison's exploits included as a secondary story or comic relief, I'm not sure which.
November 27, 2013
Good story, cute & funny! Sweet romance that has sexual tension & situations but is a clean read
March 25, 2008
This is a Great book! It's a page turner and I didn't want it to end.
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September 6, 2011Lovely! It was funny and just...readable! Terrible it ends with such a cliffhanger...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews